Many thanks to my friends at @bookclubfriends @marysuerucci and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
Weirdly brilliant? Brilliantly weirdMany thanks to my friends at @bookclubfriends @marysuerucci and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
Weirdly brilliant? Brilliantly weird?
Apparently, I can be totally confused by what I’m reading and yet also fully captivated.
This was a fever dream of a tale. An utterly strange and chaotic journey. And yet, I couldn’t look away.
The mix of reality and illusion, horror and speculation are adeptly executed. I constantly questioned what was happening and what to believe. Yet it all worked together in an inexplicable way, even in utilized some of the most bizarre plot points (Tom Cruise, mannequins, jellyfish).
Dark humor is expertly mixed with bold commentary on the beauty industry. It’s incisive and thought-provoking.
There’s also an exploration of the complexities of mother/daughter relationships and the power of grief to overwhelm.
Awad is known for her unique and quirky style, and that is evident in Rouge. This is the first I’ve read by her, and I’m utterly intrigued.
Merged review:
Many thanks to my friends at @bookclubfriends @marysuerucci and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
Weirdly brilliant? Brilliantly weird?
Apparently, I can be totally confused by what I’m reading and yet also fully captivated.
This was a fever dream of a tale. An utterly strange and chaotic journey. And yet, I couldn’t look away.
The mix of reality and illusion, horror and speculation are adeptly executed. I constantly questioned what was happening and what to believe. Yet it all worked together in an inexplicable way, even in utilized some of the most bizarre plot points (Tom Cruise, mannequins, jellyfish).
Dark humor is expertly mixed with bold commentary on the beauty industry. It’s incisive and thought-provoking.
There’s also an exploration of the complexities of mother/daughter relationships and the power of grief to overwhelm.
Awad is known for her unique and quirky style, and that is evident in Rouge. This is the first I’ve read by her, and I’m utterly intrigued.
Merged review:
Many thanks to my friends at @bookclubfriends @marysuerucci and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
Weirdly brilliant? Brilliantly weird?
Apparently, I can be totally confused by what I’m reading and yet also fully captivated.
This was a fever dream of a tale. An utterly strange and chaotic journey. And yet, I couldn’t look away.
The mix of reality and illusion, horror and speculation are adeptly executed. I constantly questioned what was happening and what to believe. Yet it all worked together in an inexplicable way, even in utilized some of the most bizarre plot points (Tom Cruise, mannequins, jellyfish).
Dark humor is expertly mixed with bold commentary on the beauty industry. It’s incisive and thought-provoking.
There’s also an exploration of the complexities of mother/daughter relationships and the power of grief to overwhelm.
Awad is known for her unique and quirky style, and that is evident in Rouge. This is the first I’ve read by her, and I’m utterly intrigued.
Merged review:
Many thanks to my friends at @bookclubfriends @marysuerucci and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
Weirdly brilliant? Brilliantly weird?
Apparently, I can be totally confused by what I’m reading and yet also fully captivated.
This was a fever dream of a tale. An utterly strange and chaotic journey. And yet, I couldn’t look away.
The mix of reality and illusion, horror and speculation are adeptly executed. I constantly questioned what was happening and what to believe. Yet it all worked together in an inexplicable way, even in utilized some of the most bizarre plot points (Tom Cruise, mannequins, jellyfish).
Dark humor is expertly mixed with bold commentary on the beauty industry. It’s incisive and thought-provoking.
There’s also an exploration of the complexities of mother/daughter relationships and the power of grief to overwhelm.
Awad is known for her unique and quirky style, and that is evident in Rouge. This is the first I’ve read by her, and I’m utterly intrigued.
Merged review:
Many thanks to my friends at @bookclubfriends @marysuerucci and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
Weirdly brilliant? Brilliantly weird?
Apparently, I can be totally confused by what I’m reading and yet also fully captivated.
This was a fever dream of a tale. An utterly strange and chaotic journey. And yet, I couldn’t look away.
The mix of reality and illusion, horror and speculation are adeptly executed. I constantly questioned what was happening and what to believe. Yet it all worked together in an inexplicable way, even in utilized some of the most bizarre plot points (Tom Cruise, mannequins, jellyfish).
Dark humor is expertly mixed with bold commentary on the beauty industry. It’s incisive and thought-provoking.
There’s also an exploration of the complexities of mother/daughter relationships and the power of grief to overwhelm.
Awad is known for her unique and quirky style, and that is evident in Rouge. This is the first I’ve read by her, and I’m utterly intrigued....more
Many thanks to my friends at @bookclubfriends @simon.books and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
Wildly entertaining. An epic adventurMany thanks to my friends at @bookclubfriends @simon.books and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
Wildly entertaining. An epic adventure and dazzling saga. This was my last read of 2023, and WHAT a way to send out the year!
Banditos and gunslingers. A train heist. A disfigured man seeking both revenge and redemption.
Ambitious in scope and rooted in her own family history, Gonzalez completely WOWed me with this genre-bending blend of action-packed Western, dramatic multigenerational narrative, and sprawling historical fiction.
This book was utterly captivating. Between the imaginative plot, the cinematic details, the evocative characterization, and the immersive storytelling, I found myself absorbed in the narrative and cheering for this anti-hero!
Beyond the adventure, Gonzalez deftly reflects on generational trauma and the legacy of colonialism and racism along with border politics. The questions posed are deeply meaningful and provocatively poignant.
This sprawling saga comes in at just under 300 pages, making it apparent that Gonzales’ writing is highly skilled and masterfully honed.
This is the kind of book I recommend with abandon. It’s propulsive. It’s addictive. It’s a flawless blend of entertaining and impactful. A must read, indeed.
Many thanks to my friends at @avonbooks for the #gifted copy of this book.
Spicy and fun!
One rockstar feud + the two children of the feuding rockstarsMany thanks to my friends at @avonbooks for the #gifted copy of this book.
Spicy and fun!
One rockstar feud + the two children of the feuding rockstars determined to get the band back together = a rollicking good time live streamed for all to see. But the question remains… can Beat and Melody get their mom’s back together for one more song?
Tessa Bailey tapped into some Dr. Seuss type magic. I’m not a Grinch about many things, but when it comes to insta love, I can be.
Somehow, Bailey convinced me that the connection between Beat and Melody was pure fate, not to be denied. The magnetic draw between the two had me cheering for them from the first time they met as teens.
(4.5⭐️) Many thanks to my friends at @stmartinspress and @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
WHAT A GEM!!!
Most people mark time by(4.5⭐️) Many thanks to my friends at @stmartinspress and @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
WHAT A GEM!!!
Most people mark time by dates on the calendar. But for me, there are 2 definitive seasons: Christmas and summer. And both are heralded by MKA’s latest book releases!
With trusted friends raving about this book, I had no doubt it would charm me. Ah, but Andrews outdid herself! This was SO much more than a sweet holiday read.
With Kerry’s father incapacitated, she must take his place in selling their family farmed Christmas trees in NYC. Living in a vintage (decrepit?) old (older than her!) camper (with no running water!) for a month wasn’t in her plan. But it just might bolster the changes she needs.
Twinkling lights. Falling snow. Hot cocoa by a fire (in a trashcan). I absolutely hate camping. But there was magic in the way Andrews set this stage.
I wanted to be there in NYC. I wanted to smell of pine trees and sing Christmas songs loudly. I wanted to pet the dog, draw with the boy, and learn lessons from the old man.
The heart of this story is found in the intergenerational friendships and themes of caring for others and second chances. The found family dynamic filled my heart and oozed joy. While the plot had a romance storyline, I found it to be secondary.
Andrews seamlessly combined the festivity of the city and the charm of the south, making this an easy book to get lost within. It brimmed with hope and embodied the very essence of the holidays.
Teeming with Christmas spirit, this is a book that would make even the Grinch’s heart feel full.
(4.5⭐️) Many thanks to my friends at @groveatlantic for the #gifted free copy of this book.
Poignant. Heartfelt. Nearly perfect.
My favorite read of th(4.5⭐️) Many thanks to my friends at @groveatlantic for the #gifted free copy of this book.
Poignant. Heartfelt. Nearly perfect.
My favorite read of the 2023 holiday season. This book begs the question: Is there any point to life if not in helping others? Keegan’s writing, beautiful though simple, delivered a powerful message that touched my soul and well honored those that suffered the atrocities of the Magdalen Laundries.
(3.5 ⭐️) Many thanks to @atriabooks for the #gifted free copy of this book.
Humorous and entertaining. This cozy mystery was a fun, escapist read amid(3.5 ⭐️) Many thanks to @atriabooks for the #gifted free copy of this book.
Humorous and entertaining. This cozy mystery was a fun, escapist read amid all the chaos of the holidays.
The local theatre troupe, the Fairway Players, were hard at work in preparation for the upcoming Christmas pantomime. But a dead Santa found amongst the set, upends the cheer and festivity.
The formatting of this read, told through mixed media, was captivating and fresh. It allowed the primary characters greater depth than is typical in a novella.
And those dynamic characters, full of drama, snark and cynicism, kept me in stitches, solidifying this novella a delightfully amusing farce.
I went into this read blind, not realizing I needed to read The Appeal first. While I still enjoyed this novella completely, I do think the backstories found in The Appeal would’ve made this read even more enjoyable. ...more
Many thanks to my friends at @williammorrowbooks and @bibliolifestyle for the #gifted copy of this book.
Fast paced and clever. Merriment is swapped fMany thanks to my friends at @williammorrowbooks and @bibliolifestyle for the #gifted copy of this book.
Fast paced and clever. Merriment is swapped for murder in this holiday mystery told in epistolary format.
Anna was hoping for an idyllic Christmas in the Cotswolds with her classmate and friend. But when townspeople see her resemblance to a recently murdered girl, the holiday takes a sinister turn.
The juxtaposition between the gothic atmosphere and holiday cheer is expertly crafted. Reading by a roaring fire. Visiting the local pub full. I was easily endeared to the idea of Christmas at a country manor. And yet there was a cold draft, coming from both the declining estate and its strange guests that created an ominous and foreboding sense.
Swanson knows how to plot a mystery. The mid-point reveal had me scratching my head. But the master knew his craft. That reveal allowed a perfect crescendo to a standout ending and all the questions it posed!
This was my very first Christmas mystery, and it did not disappoint. I’m hoping Swanson makes this a yearly tradition. ...more
Many thanks to my friends at @henryholtbooks for the #gifted copy of this book.
“Regardless of how they get made, family is a force to be reckoned withMany thanks to my friends at @henryholtbooks for the #gifted copy of this book.
“Regardless of how they get made, family is a force to be reckoned with.”
Full of warmth and brimming with humor. This one gets ALL THE STARS. It’s a true standout and a definitive must read.
Be forewarned: This is the kind of book you want to sink into and soak up. The characters are divine. The writing is superb. Those nuggets of wisdom are annotation worthy.
BUT. It’s practically impossible to put down. Those cliffhangers at the end of chapters! The laugh out loud moments. The antics that you have to see through. This book creates the best kind of internal conflict… Do I speed read? Do I savor?
Astutely observed and full of wisdom, Frankel excels at creating a fresh perspective from complex subjects. Never heavy handed. Always uplifting.
In this book about adoption, I found a beautiful examination of family- in all varieties- that resonated deeply. The messy and the complicated. The challenges and the hardships. But most fervently, it’s a portrait of overwhelming love and consistent “I show up for you” support.
This book was meant for discussion! Reading it with @rachelle and @reading amplified the fun and accentuated the poignant details.
This book stole my heart! Part love letter, part fun romp. Family, Family is the full package.
Many thanks to my friends at @bookclubfavorites @scribner and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
“The first weapon I ever held was myMany thanks to my friends at @bookclubfavorites @scribner and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
“The first weapon I ever held was my mother’s hand.”
Raw. Visceral. Heart wrenching.
I closed the pages of this book and felt the need to sit with Annis. Ward’s portrayal here is searing and brutal. A young, enslaved girl fighting to exist. At times, it felt like too much. And yet, that is exactly what made it such an adept depiction.
Throughout Annis’ harrowing journey, she turned inward where the spirit world provided what her natural world could not… a sense of connection, a sense of freedom.
This juxtaposition where hope and remembrance were unconstrained amplified the barbarity of her day-to-day life. And yet, it didn’t always work. In some scenarios, it felt clunky and counterproductive.
Though maybe, ultimately, that’s the point? Life as a slave must have felt similarly. Complicated. Messy. Hard.
Ward’s poetic prose is not to be rushed. This is a slower paced read, no doubt. But it’s also eloquent and lyrical and striking, making this harrowing journey a richer experience for the reader.
This one begs for discussion, and I’m so glad I had @book_wine_and_thinker to unpack it with.
(3.5⭐️) Many thanks to my friends at @simonbooks and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
Secrets and betrayal!
When a US Senator is kill(3.5⭐️) Many thanks to my friends at @simonbooks and @simon.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.
Secrets and betrayal!
When a US Senator is killed, CIA agent, Amanda Cole, realizes that the tip she received from a low-level Russian agent was true. A quick promotion thrusts her into a high stakes game involving Russia and Afghanistan, and it’s not long before she realizes an old CIA case of her father’s ties in... somehow.
I loved seeing the script flipped in this spy thriller, with a focus on competent, strong females in the lead. Main character, Amanda, is partnered with Kath, an older agent with experience and connections. The two women, complex and multifaceted, showcase exactly why females shouldn’t be counted down even in a male dominated field.
The timeline jumps between the current situation with Amanda at the helm and the past, where her father’s secretive career unfolds. The intersection of the two prove that the past is never really gone and forgotten.
This read started off strong… bustling with energy. Somewhere along the way, it lost some steam, potentially needing a bit of an edit. But the relationship between Amanda and Kath kept me engaged. And I hope to see more of them in the future!
Hysterical and heartwarming. This is a fun romp full of festivity.
From the laugh-out-loud hysterical opening page, I was hooked.
This book works in eHysterical and heartwarming. This is a fun romp full of festivity.
From the laugh-out-loud hysterical opening page, I was hooked.
This book works in each format it takes on.
As a holiday read, it brims with spirit. From sleigh rides to gift shopping to egg nog (and more!), this family knows how to celebrate.
As a family drama, the Collins are a tightknit and complicated bunch. The dynamics between the siblings, the parents, the kids… it all felt so relatable. And it was heartwarming to see them rally together (and overcome when necessary).
As a love story, it hits all the right notes: witty, spicy, sweet, swoony. This was a slow burn second chance romance that I rooted for. The flashbacks to the early days of the relationship proved they had steamy chemistry, while the present-day communication focused on honesty and forgiveness, creating a strong foundation for a future.
Many thanks to my friends at @doubleday and @prhaudio.com for the #gifted copies of this book.
Gripping. Horrifying.
There is no romantic seafaring Many thanks to my friends at @doubleday and @prhaudio.com for the #gifted copies of this book.
Gripping. Horrifying.
There is no romantic seafaring adventure to be found here. It’s a tumultuous and terrifying narrative full of twists and improbability. It reads like a well plotted mystery full of darkness and desperation rather than the meticulously researched tour de force of narrative nonfiction it is. Truth is stranger than fiction, no doubt.
But beyond the harrowing details of shipwreck, murder, and survival, this becomes a story about the stories we tell. To ourselves. To others. And in turn, the power those stories have to shape us… and history as a whole.
Many thanks to my friends at @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copy of this book.
HAVE MERCY! Move over Uncle Jesse. Stamos has stollen my heart.
CareenMany thanks to my friends at @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copy of this book.
HAVE MERCY! Move over Uncle Jesse. Stamos has stollen my heart.
Careening down Rodeo Drive. A few too many to be behind the wheel. Tourists shouting, “pull over!” But just who is that man in the driver’s seat—Blackie Parrish? Uncle Jesse? Dr. Tony Gates? Maybe it’s a mere caricature.
Stamos opens his memoir recalling one of the worst moments of his life— in dire need of mercy, though mostly from himself. At 51 years old, his one-time catchphrase became a cry for help.
Part confession. Part entertainment. Stamos shares a broad variety of stories, from ones that bare his soul to ones that had me starstruck or bowled over with laughter. He’s candid, self-deprecating, and transparent.
There is so much more to Stamos that I realized! Beach Boy enthusiast and band member. Top selling Emcee for Cabaret. Disney fanatic. Beyond that ageless, pretty boy face and meticulously coiffed hair, there’s real depth, endearing quirks, and enviable talent.
But it was the stories he told about connections (his mom, Don Rickles, Bob Saget, his wife…) that really made this book stand out.
What a genuine memoir! I laughed, and I cried. And I became a John Stamos fan for life.
It should be easy for a daughter to welcome her dying mother into her home for those final days. But this daughter was torturedEerie and atmospheric.
It should be easy for a daughter to welcome her dying mother into her home for those final days. But this daughter was tortured and traumatized by her mother. And this mother, there’s more to her than meets the eyes.
What a chilling story! The juxtaposition of the profoundly sinister during the Christmas season made for a truly horrifying dynamic. Not many books leave me as unsettled as this one did. The atmosphere and tension had me nervous and eager at the same time.
My Darling Girl is a spine-tingling narrative, and that ending was the stuff of nightmares. ...more
This is my absolute favorite kind of read. I savored every word. I clung to the characters. I reveled in the magic. I founBreathtaking and immersive.
This is my absolute favorite kind of read. I savored every word. I clung to the characters. I reveled in the magic. I found myself totally swept away with June’s story… completely lost within the curse and the romance.
It’s the way Young spins a yarn. Her writing is exquisite, and the prose is lyrical, no doubt. But it’s more than that. It’s as though each word is enchanted to speak directly to the heart.
What starts as a mystery develops into an intergenerational tale of the pull of family and the importance of finding one’s place in the world.
The Farrow women are vividly depicted. Each is intricately crafted in complex detail. There’s a fierce thread of loyalty that runs through the generations which produces a bond that transcends time. It’s that connection that June harnesses in her determination to end the curse that’s plagued her lineage.
Set amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains, I was fully transported to this small North Carolina town. Walking amongst the flower fields. Watching the horse gallop in the side yard. The scenes unfolded with cinematic detail and the pages brimmed with atmosphere, making me feel as though I was right there in that time and place.
And beyond the mystery… beyond the journey of self-exploration, there is a love story for the ages. It’s the tenderness of first love combined with the maturity of love that withstands hardship. It was everything I was longing for.
The Unmaking of June Farrow is an all-around achingly beautiful tale. One that will stay with me.
*With news of The American Museum of Natural History (amongst others) closing Native American exhibits in response to new policies regarding Indigenou*With news of The American Museum of Natural History (amongst others) closing Native American exhibits in response to new policies regarding Indigenous artifacts and remains, I find myself thinking of the warriors, like Perry, who never gave up on bringing their ancestors home. (January 2024)
Many thanks to my friends at @macmillanusa @mackidsbooks and @macmillan.audio
Riveting. Powerful. Important.
“Everything is connected. The past. The future. The beginning and ending.”
There’s a deep respect and abiding love found in the way Anishinaabe author, Boulley, writes about her culture. There’s an equally powerful passion found in the way she amplifies the horrifying issues that continue to plague the Indigenous nations.
As 16-year-old Perry relentlessly fights to bring home Warrior Girl and other Anishinaabe ancestors, Boulley constructs a riveting narrative focused on stolen Indigenous artifacts and remains. But when Perry’s friend goes missing, it becomes apparent that the fight for repatriation isn’t just one for ancestors, highlighting the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
This book was an immersion into the beauty of Ojibwe beliefs and the honor they bestow upon ancestors. It was also a riveting examination on the effects of colonialism and the ongoing injustices Native Americans face.
The storytelling is poignant and powerful, and the writing is poetic and vivid. Boulley skillfully weaves this gripping tale together with a strong voice, crafting an unforgettable read that I could not put down.
This is my favorite kind of read: one that challenges as well as it entertains. A true must read.
Fourth Wing was exciting and explosive. I still feel the overwhelming emotion it exuded.
And so, I went into this sequel expecting the same. Instead, Fourth Wing was exciting and explosive. I still feel the overwhelming emotion it exuded.
And so, I went into this sequel expecting the same. Instead, I was met with a dense storyline (in need of a heavy edit) that couldn’t compete with the addictive nature of the first book. Sigh.
It felt long. Too long. The plot was excessively (unnecessarily) detailed, and the violence overwhelmed the storyline. And then Xaden and Violet… oh how frustrated I became.
“Tell me.” “Ask me.”
The last 1/3 finally picked up pace and tapped into what I most enjoyed in Fourth Wing. I flew through that section in anticipation of the end. And the cliffhanger… UGH. I do want to see how it plays out.
Even so, this might be a case of “a little too little” and “a lot too late” for me.
The absolute best part of the book: the dragons. Tairn’s fierce nature and Andarna’s teenage drama. The banter between them. The roles they played. The dragons carried much of this book and were indeed the winning aspect.
Will I pick up the third book? It’s hard to tell. Probably yes… This storyline had good bones. It just needed a better edit. And ultimately, I want more from Tairn and Andarna.
Amy (amy_alwaysreading)
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